I remember that it was back in 1973 that I attended a live event presentation on a topic of my interest. Had also brought my portable cassette recorder to record the audio and reexperience the session. As I remember it, the presenter in his live presentation did all of those things that triggered my imagination. Several days later after the event, hitting the playback on my cassette recorder my disappointment came due to the fact that the “magic” of the presentation was not (could not be) recorded. Since becoming an on line teacher, this has been my challenge: teaching in ways that spark the imagination of my learners.
Well said, John. If I am catching your drift, it’s that the magic is not in the presentation or the slides, classroom or conference session, but your own experience in the moment. That said, the sharing of those materials are valuable as reference, plus the ease of which now where an audio recording (not on cassette!) is easily transcribed.
So what did you find effective in creating those sparks as an online teacher? I wonder if you found like me that sometimes the chemistry in a room was different, and even the same approach has somewhat differing results year to year.
I smile too at your mention of audio cassettes, I am that generation too. Still in the 1990s, while working at the Maricopa Community College, I took an online class on the history of the Community College (even remember that it was EDU 250) where the “lectures” came in the mail on cassette tape, each one from a different teacher, leader, governing board member. It was effective much from my own interest/motivation. So that magic happene between us and our interactions?
Nice to see your photo, and because I notice background detail I am curious if you are an avid bicyclist?
Thanks for chiming in.